IRELAND have made an ominous statement of intent by recalling their big guns for Saturday's World Cup warm-up against Wales.

But they are refusing to write off their opponents, despite Wales coach Steve Hansen selecting an inexperienced side for the Lansdowne Road clash.

The Irish have drafted in fit-again British Lions Keith Wood and Brian O'Driscoll, with the former regaining the captaincy on his first Test outing since September 2002.

No 8 Anthony Foley and wing Shane Horgan are also back after missing the summer tour of Australia, Tonga and Samoa through injury, as coach Eddie O'Sullivan selects virtually his strongest available side.

By comparison, Hansen has chosen six uncapped players in an experimental 22.

But O'Sullivan said, "I think it will be an interesting test because a lot of the Welsh players are throwing down a marker for the World Cup.

"I would say they will see it as a nothing-to-lose situation and they will certainly come out giving it a lash.

"So it could be a fairly open, flowing game. We will be looking for a good run-out, try to keep the ball in hand and get a rhythm into our game."

Foley rejects any suggestion that Hansen has picked a weak line-up.

"I would never say a Welsh selection was weak," said the Munster powerhouse.

"Inexperienced would be the word I would use.

"There are a few players we know a small bit about, but one or two are new faces to us.

"Even so, we will treat them with the same respect we would any opponents.

"It is an international match and that creates extra pressure in itself."

For skipper Wood - who has recovered from serious neck and shoulder injuries - it will be his first Test since the World Cup qualifier against Russia last September.

"It's great to be back," said the double Lion. "It's fantastic. I am loving it."

While 31-year-old Wood will be winning his 52nd cap this weekend, it will be only a second Test outing for front-row colleague Simon Best.

Ulster's Best gets his chance at tighthead with fellow props John Hayes, Marcus Horan and Emmet Byrne injured, along with fly-half Ronan O'Gara and wing James Topping.

In all, there are 13 changes from Ireland's last outing against Samoa in June.

O'Sullivan said, "I wouldn't say this is the first-choice team.

"There is an experimentation in selection and we still have other guys to see."